A dog who was found with severe injuries to his head and ribs in Mitcham has sadly died.

Digger, a 15-year-old Jack Russell, was found bleeding to death on Commonside West, Mitcham on the morning of Thursday, November 1.

He was found by a member of the public, who rushed him to a nearby vet. Sadly, Digger died while on the way there.

The dog's body was seen by a vet who assessed that he had suffered blunt trauma, not consistent with injuries from a road traffic accident. In essence, this means Digger was most likely beaten in a savage attack.

The RSPCA and Metropolitan police are now investigating the death. It has been established that Digger's devastated owners noticed their pet was missing at around 2.30am that morning. He was found with injuries to his head and ribs at just after 9am.

RSPCA Inspector Mike Beaman said: “It is extremely heartbreaking to think what this poor dog has gone through and how much he would have suffered during his last moments.

“I am horrified to think of how this poor dog has suffered and myself and the police are investigating this incident. We would urge anyone who or saw anyone acting suspiciously in that area on that Thursday morning, to contact us immediately.